Downtown & Around: San Diego Breweries

The San Diego adventure continues! Part three of my adventure covers breweries in downtown and nearby Liberty Station. And it just so happens to include my two all time favorite San Diego breweries! Can you guess them?

Ding ding. Stone Brewing and Modern Times.

Stone Brewing

I’m convinced Stone does not make a bad beer. Granted they’ve been around a long time and know what they’re doing, but still… respect. Stone has quite a few locations in the area, but I go to the Liberty Station one so I can shove my face with Slater’s burgers before or after (this makes for a solid day). Stone does have some tasty looking food of their own, but if you’ve ever been to Slater’s then you understand there’s no way anything else is fitting in the belly.

This particular location, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, has a beautiful inside and gorgeous outdoor patio complete with waterfalls. And most importantly, a ton of beers on tap! We tried:

Stone Xocoveza

Mint Coffee Milk Stout

Stone Liberty Station Lupulin Loop: Ella

Stone Ripper

Stone Liberty Station Lupulin Loop: Mandarina Bavaria

I like Stone so much I told my boyfriend we’re getting married there. Now I’m just waiting on a proposal….

Modern Times Beer

Modern Times is my favorite not only for their delicious beer, but also the fact they’re a coffee brewer. Yes, the brewery has both a coffee shop and a bar– dreams come true! Also, let’s talk about their decor. The space is freaking awesome. I could hang there ALL day. Sadly, we had to leave but while there we tried:

Orderville

City of the Sun

City of the Dead

Fruitlands

Based on social media, it seems like they come out with a new beer every day. Why can’t I live closer! #FanGirl

Half Door Brewing

This quaint little brewery is in an old house, complete with front porch. Pretty neat for downtown! The bar is reminiscent of an old floor to ceiling bookcase. While it’s not my modern/industrial feel, I surprisingly liked the old time vibe. Also, the food was delish. In order of my beer faves:

Gimmick Ale

#Buzzwords Super Dank Pale Ale

Bean Bar Collaboration Red Rye Coffee IPA

Half Door Pale Ale

House of Hops

Bean Bar Latte

I’d definitely recommend checking it out and grabbing a bite.

Mission Brewery

Mission Brewery is located in an old Wonderbread factory downtown. It’s got this historic/medieval vibe, which is cool but isn’t exactly my kind of atmosphere. They had a variety of beers on tap so we each got a flight. Here’s the 8 we tried:

Plunder IPA

All You Need is Love IPA

Oatmeal Porter

Raspberry Wheat

Creamsicle Porter

Taste of the Glory

East Village Blonde

Passionfruit Gose

Overall it was so-so, but not a brewery I’d frequent.

The next time you’re in San Diego, I’d highly recommend checking out at least Stone and Modern Times. If you can fit them all in though, do it!

And perhaps the most exciting news of the day, I’m finally gearing up for my last San Diego post 🙂 It will cover my trip to Mira Mesa breweries, which could be an entire vacation in itself. So many breweries. Stay tuned!